ENGLISH BOWLS UMPIRES ASSOCIATION
West Somerset Bowls League
ENGLISH BOWLS UMPIRES ASSOCIATION: “I WANT TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE GAME I LOVE"
Why become an Umpire?
This is one of the first questions that is asked to anyone attending an English Bowls Umpires Association training course and one that attracts a number of different responses.
“I want to give something back to the game I love", "I think it is important that we have a qualified Umpire in the Club", "I enjoy bowls at the top level. I am not a good enough bowler but by being a good Umpire I can still be involved" are just a few examples.
The EBUA is the governing body of Umpires and Markers in England. The membership of the association totals approximately 1000 active officials from Regional Umpire to International grade.
EBUA officials can be seen in action at all lawn bowls events, including Club Finals, National Championships, International Matches and the Commonwealth Games.
Umpires and Markers are born from an intensive training and examination process and the desire to commit time and dedication to the sport.
The aim of the EBUA is to provide all applicants with the knowledge and skills required to qualify as an Umpire and then support that individual through their career.
You may only want to take the first modules of training and not progress to the next level, or you may want to progress to the very top and be involved in International events. The aim of the EBUA is to support you, whichever approach you take.
Check out the various steps below and for more information visit www.ebua.org.uk.
STEP 1 - EBUA Markers Course
- A basic introduction to the art of Marking rewarded with a Certificate of Attendance. Open to existing Umpires, prospective Umpires and also club members who do not wish to become umpires but wish to gain a level of competence in Marking.
- The course costs just £5 to attend.
- There is no exam but you will be required to complete all of the measuring exercises.
Scheduled EBUA Markers Courses
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th January – Cambridge Park IBC, Middlesex
Sunday 15th January – Ipswich & District IBC, Suffolk
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January – Jack Hi IBC, Middlesex
Sunday 22nd January – Bletchley IBC, Buckinghamshire
Saturday 28th January – Cotswold IBC, Gloucestershire
Saturday 18th February – Cotswold IBC, Gloucestershire
Saturday 18th February – Grattons IBC, Sussex
Sunday 19th February – West Mersea IBC, Essex
Saturday 25th March – Mid Glos IBC, Gloucestershire
Saturday 23rd September – Arun IBC, Sussex
STEP 2 - Regional Umpire
- New applicants will undergo training via a Home Study Pack. This pack contain the Home Study Manual, DVD, Law Book and Theory Workbook. The Home Study Pack provides everything that a new applicant requires in order to attend a training workshop and take their first examination.
- If successfully completed, the new applicant will be awarded an EBUA Regional Umpire qualification valid for four years.
Scheduled Umpire Training Workshops and Examinations
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th February – Westlecot IBC, Wiltshire
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th May – Eastbourne & District IBC, Sussex
STEP 3 – National Umpire
- Umpires wishing to upgrade from Regional Level to National Level must have at least 2 years’ experience and will be required to complete a theory workbook, a practical workshop and a practical and theoretical examination.
- If successfully completed the Regional Umpire will be awarded an EBUA National Umpire qualification valid for four years.
STEP 4 - International Umpire
- The EBUA International Grade is obtained by selection to officiate at an International Event by the EBUA. There are no additional examination stages for an EBUA International Umpire
STEP 5 – International Technical Official
- This is a separate qualification awarded by World Bowls. Candidates apply to World Bowls and are required to take an intensive examination. The ITO qualification allows officials to be eligible for selection to World Bowls governed events such as World Bowls Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Kind Regards
Matt Wordingham
Publications and Events
Administrator
t. 01926 334609
Contact Information
Jay Merrell
- 07473 992955
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